Moscow [Russia] / Kiev [Ukraine], January 7: Russian troops have captured the strategically important small town of Kurakhove in the eastern Ukrainian Donetsk region, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday.
"Following the capture of Kurakhove, the Russian armed forces have advanced into open manoeuvring areas," the ministry said in a statement, adding that this would mean more territory could now be taken from Ukrainian forces at a greater pace.
The battle for Kurakhove lasted about two months. Moscow's losses during the fighting are believed to have been high as the Ukrainians were able to hold the town for longer than many experts had predicted.
The respected Ukrainian military blog DeepState had labelled the town as being controlled by Russian troops a few days ago. Still, there was no confirmation of Kurakhove's capture from the Ukrainian side by late Monday.
Only a fraction of the previous population of 18,000 still lives in the town.
Ukraine is facing a difficult winter as its forces are being put under increasing pressure in the east, and after Russian airstrikes which have hit power facilities in many areas.
Meanwhile, in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron said Ukraine must be "realistic" on territorial concerns as talk of possible negotiations to end the war with Russia in the new year increases.
"The Ukrainians must have realistic talks on territorial issues," Macron said in remarks to a meeting of French ambassadors on Monday.
Kiev has long taken the public position that it intends to regain all territory seized by Russia over the years.
"There will be no quick and easy solution in Ukraine," Macron said.
Moscow's attacks continued unabated on Monday, with a Russian drone attack hitting a public bus in the southern Ukrainian port city of Kherson, the head of the regional military administration Roman Mrochko said.
Source: Qatar Tribune
